What happens to a material that exhibits elasticity when stress is removed?

When a material exhibits elasticity, it means that it has the ability to deform under stress and then return to its original shape once the stress is removed. This is a characteristic behavior observed in materials such as rubber and certain metals, which can stretch or compress without permanent deformation.

The underlying mechanism involves the molecular structure of elastic materials, which allows them to absorb energy during the deformation process and release it when the stress is relieved. This property is crucial in various applications, such as in the design of springs, shock absorbers, and flexible components, where temporary deformation without permanent changes is essential for functionality and performance.

In contrast, materials that do not exhibit elasticity may either remain deformed permanently, become brittle and break under stress, or undergo chemical changes that alter their physical properties. Understanding elasticity is fundamental in the design technology field, as it helps designers select the right materials for applications, ensuring they behave predictably under the stresses they will encounter in use.